Kochi has celebrated a significant milestone in maritime achievement as the Indian Navy’s flagship sailing vessel, INSV Tarini, arrived in Fremantle, Australia. This journey, which began a little over a month ago from Goa, has seen the vessel cover nearly 5,000 nautical miles as part of a grand mission to circumnavigate the globe using only wind power.
Onboard are two accomplished women officers, Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa Alagirisamy, who are making history with this daring expedition. Their arrival at Fremantle was met with a warm and enthusiastic reception, attended by a distinguished group of dignitaries. Notable attendees included the Counsel General of India at Perth, the Defence Advisor from Canberra, the Secretary of the Indian Navy Sailing Association, and representatives from the Royal Australian Navy. Additionally, the event drew interest from Indian Naval veterans residing in Australia and numerous sailing enthusiasts, showcasing a strong community spirit and support for the officers.
In an effort to commemorate the officers’ passage and ease the melancholy of spending Diwali at sea, a cultural program was organized. The Tamil Association of Western Australia took a lead role in hosting this event, which brought a splash of color and festivity to what was primarily a meet-and-greet occasion.
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The voyage to Australia, lasting 38 days, started off smoothly but encountered challenges as it neared Fremantle. The winds became unpredictable, slowing the vessel considerably. Just in time, however, the arrival of the Fremantle Doctor—a local wind known for aiding bowlers at the nearby cricket stadium—provided the much-needed gusts to boost Tarini’s speed.
In a conversation with local media, both officers expressed their deep connection and comfort with life at sea. “We had your messages. This buoyed us. Also, on Diwali, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi had sent a very encouraging message. This motivated us. Then, of course, there were sweets and biscuits to celebrate the festival,” Lt Cdr Roopa A shared. Reflecting on the essence of Diwali as the festival of lights, she noted, “We had the stars in the night sky,” emphasizing the beauty and serenity of their maritime surroundings.
The successful docking of INSV Tarini marks a significant achievement not only for the officers onboard but also stands as a testament to the growing role of women in maritime professions and the aspirations of the Indian Navy in promoting sustainable sailing practices.
